Teachers are encouraged to observe one another. We pick a time to go in a classroom and take notes of student engagement and the lesson. It gives us a chance to reach out beyond our own classroom walls. It gives us the opportunity to discover some tips, leave inspired, and ready to implement new ideas into our classrooms. Yesterday, I had the privilege to observe not only an amazing teacher but a great coach. In this setting, the athletes asked her to go outside for practice. With a yes, we headed out to the front yard.
Guys, I witnessed a coach who was in tune with her athletes. One cheerleader, who had an injury and missed some time to practice on her feet, felt some frustration. Coach Pate took a moment to pause and acknowledge her. She reassured it was ok and she was doing well considering the short amount of time learning the movements. Ms. Pate revealed another key aspect to coaching: on the spot feedback. As the girls were completing movements, she watched with a trained eye. When something was off, she simply took a time-out moment to model the movements. Then, the girls would practice. I liked watching how she went about it. You can tell she has created a culture where mess-ups will happen, and it’s ok. She repeats the right move/chant/placement and then they practice it again. Before you know it, you have a whole routine that leaves you pumped up and ready for a game!
During this time of observing Coach Pate, I saw her flexibility and willingness. The girls wanted to go outside. Ms. Pate’s allergies were acting up, but she pushed through like a champ. She spotlighted girls who were calling out with great projection and hitting the moves on point. She encouraged them to find their unique way of cheering on the crowd. She wasn’t in a rush. You could hear it in her voice. She allotted the time needed for the girls to learn and practice.
And, yes, for those who know…know I’m the assistant coach. I decided to take a different pair of eyes with me to practice yesterday. I wanted to observe an amazing coach.
I took away some parallels to teaching in the classroom:
Model the lesson. You may have to model it again. It’s ok. It gives them the chance to see it again and practice.
Create a culture in the classroom that feels safe for mistakes.
Have a “YES” moment. Who knows, maybe going outside may lift your own spirits.
Huddle up. Come up with some goals together.
Give constructive, on the spot, feedback.
Cheer each other on. Everyday.
Teachers, YOU are like a coach everyday.
We get the opportunity to cheer on our students and work with them everyday.
May I encourage you to observe a great coach soon?!
You’ll leave inspired.
